Scene 1 - Confronting the Brother

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INT. - CHARLIE’S ROOM - DAY

The soft CREAK of Charlie’s chair as he sits down. The distant HUM of traffic outside the window is barely audible, MUFFLED by the walls of the quiet room. He PICKS up his recorder, CLICKING it on. A moment of silence.

 

CHARLIE 

(Sighing, heavily)

(Reflective)

This has been... a challenging case. What started out as a simple theft—something I thought I could handle to help an old friend—it’s turned into a nightmare. I thought maybe...

(Pauses, quieter)

maybe this case could give me some purpose again. Help me feel...

(Trails off)

like I belonged somewhere. Like I was needed. 

 

The soft CLICK of his pen TAPPING the desk as he pauses.

 

CHARLIE

But this... this has changed. It’s not just a museum robbery anymore. It’s a missing persons case. It’s an attempted murder. And somehow, I’ve found myself neck-deep in something that may—or may not—be tied to the occult.

 

He CHIFTS in his seat, RUBBING a hand over his face, trying to steady himself.

 

CHARLIE 

(Bitter)

And for what? I’ve been a private detective for five years now. Five years of tracking cheating spouses and petty thieves. Five years of digging through other people’s messes... and somehow, it still feels like I’m chasing shadows. No matter how much I solve, how many cases I close... there’s always something missing.

(Sighing)

(Quietly, reflective)

Maybe that’s why I agreed to this in the first place. It wasn’t just about the case—it was about Anna. She wasn’t just a client; she was... *pauses* she was a friend. Stirling University feels like a lifetime ago, but back then, we had something. A connection. And now... I don’t know. Maybe I thought if I helped her, it’d mean something. Maybe I could feel something again.

 

The room is silent except for the faint RUSTLING of Charlie’s jacket as he SHIFTS in frustration.

 

CHARLIE

(Clearing his throat)

But the facts... the facts of the case are these. A necklace—an amulet, to be exact—was stolen from the museum. Someone disabled the security system, leaving no CCTV footage of the theft. Jamie Sinclair, a member of staff, has gone missing. 

 

He TAPS the recorder softly, lost in thought.

 

CHARLIE

There’s no proof yet that Jamie took the amulet. But his disappearance... 

(Sighs)

it’s too convenient. His timing, his connection to the Abbey... and to Boleskine House. And now, everything’s pointing to a deeper link between Jamie, the Abbey, and... Crowley. The occult.

(Pause)

(Slower, hesitant)

And then there’s Anna. I don’t want to believe it. Hell, I *can’t* believe it. But... the more I dig, the more it all points to her. The amulet was her responsibility. She knew Jamie. And I know she’s hiding something. 

 

The recorder CLICKS softly as Charlie TAPS it against the desk.

 

CHARLIE

(Strained, conflicted )

Anna... what the hell are you mixed up in? Are you just trying to protect the museum, or is there something else going on? You’re my friend... 

(Pauses)

but I have to know the truth. Even if it destroys what’s left of whatever we had.

(Pause)

So far, I have three main suspects. Abbot Alaric, the head of the Abbey. One, or both of the Thompsons—the owners of the Tuath na Marbh Inn. And lastly...

(Pauses, pained)

Anna. 

(Pause)

 

The wind outside WHISTLES softly through a crack in the window.

 

CHARLIE

(Resigned)

Moving forward, I have a plan. I’ll confront the Thompsons first. And I’ll pay a visit to the Abbey again... but I’m running out of time. I need to know what Anna’s hiding, whether I want the answer or not.

 

He CLICKS off the recorder with a final sigh. The room is quiet, save for the soft TICKING of a distant clock as Charlie sits in his thoughts.

​

FADE OUT

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Scene 2 - Breakfast

 

INT. - BREAKFAST ROOM OF THE TUATH NA MARBH INN - DAY

Footsteps on a CREAKY floor. Door OPENS. 

 

NOAH

(Friendly but slightly weary, as if already juggling too much)

Good morning, mate. Sleep well?

 

CHARLIE

(Friendly)

Morning, Noah. I did. How are you this morning?

 

NOAH

(Still friendly, but with a faint sigh underneath the cheerfulness)

Good, mate. Good. Busy as usual. The wife’s got me busier than a barman at a wedding.

(Laughing.)

 

CHARLIE

(Friendly)

I can imagine. 

 

NOAH

(With forced cheerfulness)

Grab a seat mate, I’ll get your order.

 

Charlie SITS and OPENS a menu.

 

NOAH

(Friendly)

Right then mate, what can I get you today? Just the toast and juice, again?

 

CHARLIE

(Friendly)

No thanks, I’m having as busy a day as you will be. Give me the full breakfast mate and a large cappuccino.

 

NOAH

(Friendly)

Full breakfast it is, mate. What’s got you so busy? Have you got a lead?

 

CHARLIE

(Lowering his voice slightly, as if the conversation is more serious than casual)

I do, a big one. I’ll be heading up to the Mort House later. Found evidence that Jamie is living up there and I think he’s going back. There’s a hidden entrance I need to check out and I might have him. This case could be coming to an end.

 

NOAH

(Concerned, softly)

Jamie? You think he’s tied up in all this?

 

CHARLIE

(Shrugging)

I don’t know, Noah. But the more I dig, the more things point back to that place. Something’s off.

 

NOAH

(More softly now, almost warning)

Watch yourself, Charlie. That place… it’s got history.

 

CHARLIE

(Friendly)

I’ll be careful. This isn’t my first rodeo, Noah.

 

NOAH

(More softly now, almost warning)

All the same, mate. Look after yourself. I’ll get your breakfast, mate and full spread coming up.

 

FADE OUT

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Scene 3 - The Abbey

 

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INT. - ABBEY – DAY

The ECHO of footsteps as Charlie walks through the stone corridors of the Abbey. The faint MURMUR of monks in distant prayer. Charlie APPROACHES the Abbot’s office. A KNOCK on the heavy wooden door, followed by the CREAK as it opens.

 

CHARLIE

(Politely, with a hint of hesitation)

Abbot Alaric, do you have a moment?

 

The soft RUSTLE of the Abbot’s robe as he stands from his desk. The room is quiet.

 

ABBOT ALARIC

(Warmly)

Mr. Pembroke, of course. Please, come in.

 

Charlie STEPS inside, the door CLOSING behind him with a soft thud.

 

CHARLIE

(Apologetically)

I wanted to apologise for the way I acted yesterday. I... shouldn’t have shouted about the papers. It’s been a stressful case, and I lost my cool.

 

ABBOT ALARIC

(Kindly, reassuring)

No need for apologies, Mr. Pembroke. Investigations are never easy, especially when they touch on matters as complex as this. We’re all trying to find the truth, after all.

 

Charlie SHIFTS on his feet before speaking again.

 

CHARLIE

(Casually, yet pointed)

I’ll be heading back to Boleskine Cemetery later today. Something about that place... just doesn’t sit right with me.

 

ABBOT ALARIC

(Calmly, measured)

I see. Well, I wish you luck in your search. Be careful, Mr. Pembroke. The past has a way of clinging to those grounds, especially Boleskine. It’s a place many have tried to leave behind... but not all have succeeded.

 

Charlie LEANS against the edge of the desk.

 

CHARLIE

(Carefully)

It sounds like you’re speaking from experience, Abbot. You’ve been here for a long time... you must know Boleskine’s history well.

 

ABBOT ALARIC

(Softly, evasive)

The land holds memories, Mr. Pembroke. Some better left undisturbed. But you know that already, I suspect.

 

Charlie SHIFTS slightly, his fingers TAPPING lightly against the desk.

 

CHARLIE

(Curiously)

And what about Jamie? He stayed here, didn’t he? For months. His disappearance must have rattled you.

 

The Abbot’s hands FOLD in front of him.

 

ABBOT ALARIC

(Slowly)

Jamie Sinclair was... a troubled soul. He sought answers, much like you. But he was easily led astray, drawn to dangerous ideas. He was fascinated by Boleskine House, by the history of Crowley. He believed it held something for him... something beyond the tangible. I tried to guide him back, but... pauses some paths, once taken, cannot be easily abandoned.

 

Charlie STRAIGHTENS.

 

CHARLIE

(Pressing, curious)

You think he was involved with the occult then? That he was drawn to it like... the others? The amulet, the rituals—do you think Jamie was part of it?

 

The Abbot takes a STEP back.

 

ABBOT ALARIC

(Quietly, cautiously)

I believe Jamie was searching for something he could not find in the world as he knew it. Whether he found it at Boleskine, or whether it consumed him... that remains unclear. But I advise you to tread carefully, Mr. Pembroke. The same curiosity that led Jamie there... could lead you into the same darkness.

 

CHARLIE

(Resolutely)

I appreciate the concern, but I’ve come too far to turn back now. I’m going to Boleskine, and I’ll find out what happened to Jamie... and what Anna’s involvement is. There’s more going on here, Abbot, and I think you know that too.

 

ABBOT ALARIC

(Gently)

Be careful, Mr. Pembroke. The truth is not always what we expect... or what we want. Some things... are better left undisturbed.

 

A long pause. Charlie PUSHES himself off the desk and TURNS toward the door.

 

CHARLIE

(Firmly, over his shoulder)

I’ll take my chances.

​

The door CREAKS open as Charlie STEPS out into the corridor. The faint ECHO of his footsteps lingers as he walks away, the wind HOWLING softly outside the Abbey.

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FADE OUT

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Scene 4 - The Stakeout

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EXT. - BOLESKINE CEMETERY – NIGHT

The wind HOWLS softly through the trees, the occasional RUSTLE of leaves. Charlie CROUCHES behind the stone wall near the Mort House.

The cemetery is eerily quiet, save for the soft CRUNCH of distant footsteps approaching.

 

CHARLIE

(Steady, shallow breathing)

(Whispering to himself)

There... someone’s here.

 

The footsteps GROW closer, slow and deliberate. Charlie TIGHTENS his grip on the flashlight.

 

CHARLIE

(Low, to himself)

Who are you...?

 

The figure reaches the gate and begins to PUSH it open with a low CREAK. Charlie STEPS out from behind the wall.

 

CHARLIE

(Firmly)

Hey! Hold on a second.

 

Charlie STEPS closer. The figure hesitates, then slowly TURNS to face him.

 

CHARLIE

(Pressing)

What are you doing here? This place isn’t safe at night. Who are you?

 

HOODED FIGURE

(Chuckling, darkly)

(Soft, almost mocking)

Is that what you think? That I’m the one in danger here?

 

Charlie takes another STEP closer. His grip TIGHTENS on the flashlight.

 

CHARLIE

(Coldly)

I don’t have time for games. I know about the amulet, the ritual... everything. If you’re involved, now’s the time to come clean. I’m not leaving until I get answers.

 

HOODED FIGURE

(Sighing, lightly)

(Low, sinister)

You think you understand, detective? You have no idea what you’ve stumbled into. This isn’t about a simple theft or a missing boy. This... this is about power. Ancient power. And you’re standing in the way.

 

Charlie STEPS forward.

 

CHARLIE

(Sharply)

You can spare me the cryptic talk. You’re not the first person to try and hide behind some grand mystery. Tell me—who are you working with? Anna? Jamie? What’s your connection to the Abbey?

 

The figure STEPS closer to Charlie.

 

HOODED FIGURE

(Laughing)

(Softly)

You still don’t get it, do you?  it’s too late to turn back.

 

CHARLIE

(Warning, firm)

Don’t move. Just stop right there. I don’t want this to end badly for either of us.

 

HOODED FIGURE

(Quietly)

It’s already too late, Mr. Pembroke. The ritual must be completed. And you... well, you’re just another piece of the puzzle now.

 

CHARLIE

(Shouting, tense)

I said stop!

 

Suddenly, strong hands GRAB Charlie from behind. The figure in front of him LUNGES, and a bag is violently SHOVED over his head.

 

CHARLIE

(Struggling, muffled)

What—no! Let me go!

 

Charlie THRASHES against his captors. The figure LEANS in close to him.

 

HOODED FIGURE

(Whispering)

It’s time for you to see the truth, Mr. Pembroke. The truth you’ve been seeking.

 

The wind HOWLS louder as Charlie is dragged backward, his feet SCRAPING against the gravel. The group moves swiftly through the cemetery. Charlie’s breathing grows heavy under the bag.

 

CHARLIE

(Muffled, panicked, barely a whisper)

What have you done?

​

The faint HUM of the chanting continues as Charlie’s struggles slow. The figures move deeper into the cemetery, toward the Mort House.

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FADE OUT

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Scene 5 - The Ritual

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INT. - UNKNOWN LOCATION – NIGHT

Muffled BREATHING, the RUSTLE of fabric as Charlie stirs. His breath is heavy, strained, as if he’s slowly regaining consciousness. The sound of his HEARTBEAT echoes faintly, pounding in his ears.

Charlie's voice is muffled by a rough fabric — he’s disoriented.

 

CHARLIE

(Groggy, muffled)

Where... where am I?

 

A low, rhythmic HUM begins in the distance. Charlie tries to MOVE, but the restraints bite into his wrists.

 

CHARLIE

(Groaning)

(Muffled, panicking)

What is this...?

 

Distant VOICES filter in, low and sinister. Their words are unclear, but there’s an ritualistic cadence to them.

 

HOODED FIGURE

(Muffled, rhythmic)

...it must be done. The path... it is ready. He will... complete the circle.

 

The voice fades in and out, like a bad radio signal, but Charlie STRAINS to hear more. The SCRAPING of a stone dragging along the ground nearby. Charlie JERKS at the sound, his heart racing.

 

HOODED FIGURE 

(Calm, commanding, but muffled)

Prepare him. The others are waiting. He must be bound before the altar... before we begin.

(Firm, sinister)

He is the final piece.

 

Heavy FOOTSTEPS approach. Charlie STRUGGLES harder against his bindings.

 

CHARLIE

(Breathing heavily)

(Desperate, straining)

No... no, let me go! What do you want with me?

 

The bag over Charlie’s head is REMOVED. One of the figures STEPS forward. The faint CLINK of a ceremonial dagger being unsheathed.

 

HOODED FIGURE

(Calm, ritualistic)

It is almost time. You will bear witness to the great unveiling.

 

CHARLIE

(Breathless, horrified)

What... what is this? What do you want from me?

 

HOODED FIGURE 

(Softly)

You will understand soon enough, Mr. Pembroke. Your role... has already been written and you will die.

 

FADE OUT